Newsletter Archives
The monthly Sing For Joy newsletter contains a letter from the program's host, Rev. Alexandra M. Jacob, along with a listing of music selections for each program and the corresponding scripture readings. If you'd like to receive a complimentary subscription, fill out our online request form to subscribe.
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December 2021 Newsletter (Year C)  Marking the Advent and Christmas Seasons Consider the word "mark" – not Mark, as in Luke and John, but just plain mark. It's a good word for Advent time, now appearing like a welcome moonrise in winter. "Mark" is a good Advent word, especially if one allows for King James or Shakespearean usage of the word as a verb. If the first sentence of this paragraph, for example, were in the King James Bible it would begin, "Mark ye well the word mark." But let's start with the most obvious connection between marking and Advent: the Advent calendar. Right? No? You say the most obvious connection must be the great "mark-down" of prices for pre-Christmas sales? Ah yes, how could I forget. But let's steer clear of the commercial side of things for now, and acknowledge that for children (of any age) one of the delights of the season is the anticipatory marking of days. That marking can be a quite literal mark, an X on each calendar day on the way to Christmas, or the more metaphorical marking of each day by opening those little doors on a traditional Advent calendar. The season is also "marked" in many households with the preparation of certain foods, with plans and preparations for family gatherings, with the collecting and wrapping of gifts, and with decorations that "mark" the season both indoors and out. Sometimes the marking is sad, even painful. This Christmas, some might say, marks the 10th year since a loved one's death, or a 2nd year of cancer treatment, or the 1st Christmas the whole family will not be together. We often use the Advent and Christmas seasons to mark our years. The season itself calls us to an additional kind of marking as well, the Shakespearean kind. To mark something, in Shakespeare's plays and poems, is to take serious notice of it. It is more than a passing glance, more than a vague general awareness; it is attentiveness, full consciousness. The King James Bible has God instructing the prophet Ezekiel to "mark well" with both eyes and ears. Good advice also for anyone entering the season of Advent, because attentiveness enriches a season that might otherwise be mostly busyness and bright lights. It is Advent: mark it well. Peace be with you,  Pastor Bruce Benson Support Sing For Joy Sing For Joy is supported by listeners like you. All gifts go directly towards our operating budget that makes Sing For Joy possible. To become a sustaining supporter of Sing For Joy, check the "recurring gift" option on our online giving form. We are in the midst of our fall fund drive, running now through December 31. Come help us meet our goal of $12,000. We appreciate gifts of any amount! December Playlists and Programs Playlists are ready now, and each show will become available to stream on the Friday before the week begins.
Connect with Sing For Joy! We love hearing from listeners! Share with us how Sing For Joy plays a role in your life. Join in the Sing For Joy conversation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Write to us.  Memorials and Honorariums Thank you for your gifts in memory and honor of those close to your heart. IN MEMORY OF: Ruth Moser Arthur and Erna Raap, and Albert and Norma Eickmann Lois M. Strother IN HONOR OF: Rita Knutson Suzanne Stanffer Mr. Barry L. Keith, Miss Margaret Rose Mills, and Rev. C. Ralph Mills To include an honorarium or memorial when you give to Sing For Joy, simply include the name(s) and occasion(s) in the comment box, as well as who should receive an acknowledgement letter and their street or email address. Sing For Joy is sponsored by:  |
